American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)

Geriatric Activities

• Analyzed adult CCRN exam item pool to identify need for age-specific/dependent items
• Identified geriatric-specific content needs based on exam analysis, developed new test items, created pool of experts, trained to submit age-specific questions for both the CCRN and PCCN exams
• Incorporated geriatric-specific items into the regular item pool for adult certification exam and identified source materials for exam preparation as they relate to the age-specific content needs
• Identified resource gaps, selected concurrent sessions for our annual meeting, and created integrated geriatric content as an additional filter for the program selection committee

Continuing Education

Chyun D, Vaccarino V, Murillo J, Young LH, Krumholz HM. Cardiac outcomes after myocardial infarction in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus. Clinical Issues in Critical Care. 2002;13(1):504-519. Click here for details

Stanton K. Nursing management of end-of-life Issues: Ethical and decision-making principles. Click here for details

Jacelon C, Henneman EA. Profiles in Dignity: Perspectives on Nursing and Critically Ill Older Adults. Critical Care Nurse. 2004;24(4):30-35. Web Address: Click here for details

Publications

Kleinpell RM. Critical care management: randomized trial of an intensive care unit-based early discharge planning intervention for critically ill elderly patients. American Journal of Critical Care. 2004;13(4):335-345. Click here for details

Swor R, Compton S, Farr L, Kokko S, Vining F, Pascual R, Jackson RE. Emergency care: perceived Self-efficacy in performing and willingness to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an elderly population in a suburban community. 2003;12(1):65-70. Click here for details

Balas et al. Delirium doulas: an innovative approach to enhance care for critically ill older adults. Crit Care Nurse.2004; 24: 36-46. Click here for details

Published at "Geriatric Corner" column in AACN News, the association's membership newsletter Tittles include:

• Adverse Drug Reactions and Age: web address: Click here for details
• Congestive Heart Failure in the Elderly: web address: Click here for details
• AACN Honored for Efforts to Promote Best Practices in Geriatric Nursing: Click here for details
• Partnership Promotes Resources for Caring for Older Adults: Click here for details

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Essentials of Critical Care Orientation: An Introduction to Critical Care
Essentials of Critical Care Orientation: An Introduction to Critical Care ECCO is AACN's internet-based, Essentials of Critical Care Orientation program, which was designed to provide novice nurses the theoretical knowledge required to care for patients in the critical care arena.

Consisting of nine modules organized according to a body-systems approach, this e-learning program presents the standard didactic content of a basic critical care course and can be easily integrated into group discussions, case studies and clinical experiences.

ECCO includes a section on specialty populations which includes care of the geriatric patient in critical care. Website

AACN Geriatric Critical Care Pocket Reference
Laminated, foldable pocket reference tool detailing reference date tools, equations, etc. related to critical care of the geriatric patient. For quantity discounts please call 800-899-AACN. Pocket Cards, 2000 Website